wolfprincess14 prompted: "maybe you could do sick Jeremy"

This also answers some questions I've gotten about Elena's involvement in Jeremy's life.


Klaus sits at the kitchen island, looking over the binder in front of him. A rustling bag of Doritos can be heard from behind him as someone peers over his shoulder.

"Really, Dad?" Tyler snorts. "You're giving Elena a "rule book" for Jeremy?"

Klaus swivels around in his chair and snatches the chips away. "You know that chips are not a proper breakfast," he lectures.

Tyler pokes out his tongue, which is lightly dusted in fake cheese dust. "Cheese can be a breakfast food."

"Go get a bagel or some cereal." Klaus finds the clip for the bag and fastens it, getting up to put it in its proper spot. "Make sure you get some fruit, too."

Tyler shakes his head and heads for the cabinets. "Nice distraction from me pointing out your humungous rule book."

"It's not a rule book," Klaus says with an eye roll. "It just has everything she needs to know. She's never taken him for a full night before."

"She's his sister," Tyler points out as he grabs the Honey Nut Cheerios. "I think she knows him."

"Not to this extent." Klaus furrows his brows. "If I am going to allow this insane idea, I'm going to make sure he's taken care of."

Despite Klaus offering her a room at the mansion, Elena opts to stay with her friend, Bonnie, when she comes to town. This time, the people renting out their old house have moved. The new tenants won't be in for another few weeks, so Elena had the idea of having a sleepover there with Jeremy. She usually only comes home for the holidays but wants to take advantage of the long weekend.

"They'll be fine," Marcel chimes in as he enters the kitchen. "Elena would never do anything to hurt him."

Klaus rubs his temples. His sons are not helping in this moment. "I am fully aware of that. The fact is, Jeremy isn't the same little brother she used to help Jenna care for. For one, there was an adult there."

"Barely. Jenna was still in college herself."

"My point still stands," Klaus says, resisting the urge to smack Marcel upside his head. "I trust that Elena will take good care of him. I am also making sure she knows all that goes into caring for him. I have one for each of you, too."

"Not that we'd ever be allowed to do anything like this," Tyler says, grabbing a bowl.

"No, but alas, your father is prepared for all things." Klaus goes to shut the book when Marcel grabs it. "Marcellus…"

Marcel begins to read. "You wrote down how to heat up a bottle? Why would that take up a whole page?" He flips through it. "I think Elena knows how to change a diaper."

Klaus snatches the binder out of his hand. "Instead of making fun of your papa, why don't you join Tyler for breakfast?" Marcel smirks, still eyeing the book. "Marcellus, would you like me to show your book to your friends the next time they come over?" Marcel is quick to grab a bowl of his own. Klaus tsks with a nod. "'Tis what I thought. Where is your baby brother, anyhow?"

Tyler shrugs. "Haven't seen him," he says, pouring the milk in the bowl. Marcel hums in agreement.

"I shall go find him. I'll be surprised if he hasn't woken up yet."

Klaus heads upstairs to Jeremy's room. His little boy is curled up under the covers, hugging his otter close to his chest. His smile only lasts so long until he hears the mucus gathered in Jeremy's lungs. Without opening his eyes, the little boy expels a raspy cough, wheezing for air at the end. Klaus vamps over and puts a hand on his forehead. He gasps as he feels the warmth radiate from his soft, smooth skin. Jeremy breathes heavily, his face a mess of snot. Klaus' hand grows damp from the sweat pooling down the little one's face. He frowns, instantly pulling back the covers and gently shaking him awake.

Jeremy coughs again, this time some thick phlegm landing on the pillow case next to him. Klaus' forehead creases. He watches as his son's eyes flicker open.

"Da…Dad?" Jeremy's voice is just as raspy as his cough.

"What hurts, my little angel?"

Jeremy shakes his head. "I…I'm fine."

"Jeremy," Klaus crouches down so he's at eye level. "It is very important that you're honest with me."

"I'm fine!" Jeremy whines, grasping at his throat. He glances at the clock. "I need to get ready. Elena will be here in a few hours."

"You need to go to the doctor." Jeremy pouts. Klaus pushes some hair out of his face. "Angel, you are burning up and your cough sounds absolutely dreadful. You need to see a doctor before you even think about seeing your sister."

"No! That's not fai…" Jeremy trails off, coughing violently into his arm.

Klaus rubs his back. "If you are as well as you say, it's a matter of a simple checkup, yes?" Jeremy frowns, biting his lip. "I'll get you move to the top of the list so we're seen straight away. If all is well, you shall see your sissy in a few hours."

Jeremy sighs. "'Kay," he mutters.

Klaus tries to give him a brave smile. "That's my good boy. Let me change your diaper, then we'll go. No one will mind you in your jammies."

Jeremy rubs his eyes. "What about Bubby and TyTy?"

"They shall be fine on their own for a bit. Don't you worry about them."


Jeremy is a crying wreck as Klaus carries him back out to the car after the appointment. He thrashes his legs and holds his throat as he lets out raspy little whines. Klaus adjusts him in his arms.

"Shhh, I know it's disappointing," he coos. "You wanted to see your sissy. I know, I know."

"N…not fair!" Jeremy wails. "'m fine."

"You're sick, my little love," Klaus reminds him. "And contagious. We don't want Sissy catching that, do we?"

Jeremy breaks down in a fresh batch of tears. Klaus feels guilty as he straps him into his car seat. He fishes through the diaper bag he brought with him and pulls out Ottie, gently tucking it in the little one's arms. Jeremy cuddles it close. Klaus locates the pacifier next, trying to put it in his mouth. Jeremy dodges it, shaking his head.

"Not baby," he mumbles, fat, hot tears falling down his cheeks.

"It will help you calm down." Jeremy shakes his head, furiously. "Angel, you are very upset and don't feel well. Your binky will help."

Jeremy continues to cry, holding Ottie in front of his mouth and burying his face in his head. Klaus sighs. He takes a step back from the car and pulls out his phone. Before they went to the office, he texted Elena and ask that she hold off on leaving, just in case. Sure enough, this isn't the outcome they wanted, but alas one they expected.

Klaus dials her number and holds the phone to his ear. Each raspy whine from his son rips at his heart. He barely lets Elena get out a "hello" before filling her in.

"Jeremy has acute bronchitis."

Elena's voice fills with worry. "Oh my God. Is he going to be okay? Do you need to take him to the hospital?"

"No, the doctor says we caught it in time, thankfully. Likely the cold he had last week didn't clear up as we thought and got worse. We were prescribed some medicine and he'll get a lot of rest."

"That's good at least. Poor Jer."

"Now, for us, this won't be a problem. The older boys and I cannot contract any diseases." He frowns sympathetically. "As for you…"

Elena sighs. "I know. If it weren't for midterms in a week, I'd take the risk."

"I would not advise you to, regardless. We don't need anyone else getting sick."

"How's he taking it?"

Klaus is silent as he looks back at the car. Jeremy is silently crying as he hugs his otter close. He coughs, managing to move his mouth to his elbow.

"He's not happy," he reports. "'Tis to be expected."

"Let me talk to him?"

"Of course. Why don't I FaceTime, that way he can see your face."

Klaus crosses back over and switches the call to a video chat. He hands the phone to his son. Jeremy whines until he sees the screen. His pale face lights up just a little.

"Sissy," he makes out, his tears still falling.

Elena gives him a small smile. "Hey, Jer. How are you feeling?"

"'m fine. Dad is overreacting."

"I don't think he is. You don't look so good." Jeremy pouts. "I want to see you, buddy. I really do. However, you're not going to have much fun if you're sick."

"Yes, I will," Jeremy petulantly argues.

"I don't think so."

Jeremy rubs his fist at his eye. "You don't wanna see me."

Guilt and sadness flash across Elena's face. "That's not true, Jer. I was looking forward to this weekend. Just you and me. But, you're sick. The best place for you to be is with Klaus, Marcel and Tyler. We can have our sleepover another night."

A big tear falls down Jeremy's cheek. "I want you now."

"I know you do. I'm going to see you very soon, I promise. Does Sissy ever go back on a promise?" Jeremy sniffles, shaking his head. "Exactly. So, if I promise you that I'm going to see you real soon, can you promise me something?"

Jeremy hesitates. "What?"

"That you'll listen to your dad and take your medicine like a good boy. Get lots of rest and do as he says."

"Then I can have a sleepover?"

"As soon as you're better," Elena promises.

Jeremy bites his lip. "You gonna be alone, Sissy?"

Klaus tries to hide a small aw. Elena smiles. "No, Jer. I'll hang out with some friends. It won't be nearly as fun as hanging out with you. Do we have a deal?"

Jeremy coughs once more, still managing to catch it in his arm. "Yeah, Sissy. I'll be a good boy."

"Thank you. Can I talk to Klaus again?"

Jeremy nods, handing the phone back to his dad. Klaus accepts it.

"Keep me updated on how he is," Elena says. "Call me if you need anything."

"I will. Everything is under control."

"I know." Her brows furrow, but a small smile is on her face. "Thanks, Klaus."

"Of course. Try to have some fun."

He hangs up, knowing that was a futile request. In her shoes, there's no way he'd be able to relax knowing that one of his siblings was ill or hurt. Likely, he'd do anything to get to them. That comes with the privilege of being a hybrid.

Klaus tucks his phone back into his pocket and tries again with the pacifier. This time, Jeremy takes it. His tears are slowly drying against his pale cheeks.

"The pharmacy is delivering your medicine, so we can head straight home. You'll lay in Dada's bed."

Jeremy nods, dutifully sucking on his pacifier. Klaus double checks the straps on the car seat before getting up front and heading home. He glances back in the rearview mirror a couple of times to make sure he's still breathing. There's been some improvement since the first time Jeremy got sick. He was a walking panic attack, not sleeping for three days in case he took a turn. In reality, it was just a bad bit of the flu, but Klaus hadn't cared for a sick child in over a hundred years. Vampire blood will curb some of the symptoms, but it can't cure it.

Once they arrive home, Klaus carries Jeremy inside. Marcel and Tyler practically leap up off the couch, rushing over. Jeremy buries his head in his dad's neck, still latched onto his binky. Klaus rubs his back.

"Your brother has bronchitis," he explains.

Marcel frowns, rubbing his brother's back. Tyler anxiously plays with his wrists. "Is he going to be okay?"

"He shall be just fine. I'm going to give him a bath and then tuck him into my bed. You two can keep yourselves entertained for a bit?"

Marcel nods. "Do you need help?"

Klaus smiles, gently squeezing his cheek. "Thank you, Little Warrior. I've got it from here. You two behave."

In a flash, the father and his youngest son are upstairs. Quickly, he retrieves a diaper and pajamas from the nursery. Once in the bathroom, Klaus starts the tap on the tub before going about undressing him. Jeremy clings to his otter as long as he can. Klaus has to pry it from his grip and gently set it on the counter. Jeremy whines, rubbing at his throat.

"I know, I know, but Ottie can't get wet," Klaus reminds him. "You have your rubber Ottie in the tub."

"Not the same," Jeremy mumbles as his pacifier is taken out.

"I know, this isn't much fun, is it? Daddy will be quick then you can have your favorite things back."

Jeremy continues to sulk as his dad places him in the tub. Klaus tries to be quick about bathing him, while also taking the time to try to scrub the disgusting germs off his face. Jeremy's burning body marginally cools in the lukewarm water. It doesn't ease the anxiety in his father's stomach. Jeremy is quiet, not bothering to play with his toys. Usually, when both he and Tyler drop, Klaus bathes them together in the large tub. There's lots of splashing and squabbling over the toys, despite there being a whole bucket of them under the sink. This is yet another sign of how sick his little boy truly is.

Once the bath is over, Klaus wraps him up in a towel and takes him into the bedroom to get changed. He opted for lightweight two-piece pajamas with sea otters sprayed across, not wanting overheat him. Klaus tucks Jeremy into the middle of the large bed. Ottie is returned to his arms, bringing him some happiness.

The door opens and Marcel walks in, holding a brown paper bag. "The pharmacy just dropped this off, Papa."

"Thank you."

Klaus fetches it from him and pulls out the medicine. Like most littles, Jeremy has a terrible time swallowing pills. The pharmacy is great about making liquid forms that are strong enough for them.

He pours out the dose into the oral syringe and brings it over. Marcel sits in front of Jeremy and pulls a funny face. When the little one makes a fraction of a smile, Klaus takes the opportunity to get the liquid in his mouth. Jeremy's lips curl up but Marcel shakes his head.

"TyTy has a treat for you if you swallow it." Jeremy tilts his head and Marcel shrugs. Klaus bites his lip to hide an amused smile. "You'll have to trust me."

With a disgusted face, Jeremy swallows the medicine. Marcel sends a quick text and a moment later, Tyler is in the room holding a bottle in one hand and a tiny bag of gummy bears in the other. He hands the bottle to Klaus and opens the candy, handing two to Jeremy. The little one's smile returns again as he quickly puts them in his mouth. He makes grabby hands for more.

"You need your baba first," Klaus says. "It's got your special shake in it, that'll keep you nice and healthy."

Jeremy pouts, looking back at Tyler. "Pwease, TyTy."

Tyler gives him 3 more gummy bears without even looking at his dad. Klaus shakes his head as Marcel snickers. "Did you expect anything else from Tyler?"

"He looks so sad!" Tyler argues.

Klaus rolls his eyes. "No more candy for now. The baby needs his bottle."

"Can we feed him?"

The annoyance leaves Klaus' face and he smiles. "Sure. Just be gentle with him."

Tyler and Marcel sit on either side of their brother. Jeremy lays his head on Tyler's chest. Klaus gives the bottle to Marcel, watching as he puts it in his mouth. Usually, Jeremy can feed himself, but today he allows Marcel to do that while Tyler strokes his hair. The older brothers talk to Jeremy. When the little one needs to cough, Marcel gently moves the bottle and Tyler pats his back, wiping his face with a tissue when he's done. The bottle is returned within moments. Jeremy's face is still pale, his breathing congested and nose already red from tissues. Still, he's snuggled up with his brothers, drinking a bottle, quiet.

Klaus pulls out his phone and takes a picture of the three of them. He'll have to get this one framed. A reminder for the next time they all want to kill each other.


As always, tell me what you think and feel free to leave prompts!